Crystal Springs Resort's Ballyowen Ranked No.1 Public Golf Course by New Jersey Monthly

Wild Turkey, Black Bear courses also recognized among best in state by expert panel

(HAMBURG, N.J.) - Crystal Springs Resort - home to seven distinct golf courses just one hour from New York City - announces Ballyowen named as best public course in the state by New Jersey Monthly magazine.

Opened in 1998, Ballyowen was masterfully sculpted by renowned architect and Robert Trent Jones protégé, Roger Rulewich. Situated on 250 sprawling acres atop a plateau overlooking the Wallkill River, it is set among rolling farmland and craggy knolls. Virtually treeless, the par 72, 7,094-yard course is a links-style layout highlighted by verdant fairways and pristine white bunkering framed by tall native grasses.

Ballyowen also garnered accolades in the "Most Scenic" (No.3), "Best Practice Facility" (No. 5), "Most Challenging" (No. 1), "Most Creative Design" (No.2) and "Best Conditioned" (No. 3) categories.

The magazine's panel of local golf experts also ranked Crystal Springs' Wild Turkey (No. 10 overall, No. 3 in North Jersey) and Black Bear (No. 39) among the state's Top 40 courses. Wild Turkey's signature seventh hole - requiring a nearly 200-yard carry over a lake quarry - took home honors as the best par-3 in the Garden State.

"The recognition from New Jersey Monthly is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff and a ringing endorsement of Crystal Springs' exceptional golf experiences," says Art Walton, Vice President of Golf Operations at Crystal Springs Resort. "No other golf facility in the country offers our course and programming variety, all within an easy drive of major metropolitan centers like New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C."

Nestled in the Kittatinny Mountains of northern New Jersey, Crystal Springs is a golf playground for all ages and abilities. Its 117 holes are exceptionally diverse:

• Ballyowen - Irish links-style layout rated state's No. 2 public golf course by Golfweek
• Black Bear - Inviting mix of tumbling terrain and risk / reward options for players of all abilities
• Cascades - Newest addition stresses playability and features junior tees (nine holes)
• Crystal Springs - Ranked "Top 50 Toughest Course in America" by Golf Digest
• Great Gorge - Vintage 70's golf on the legendary Playboy course (27 holes)
• Minerals - Family golf at "Top 12 Short Course" in America by Golf Range Magazine (nine holes)
• Wild Turkey - Spectacular resort course with world-class amenities and vistas

Crystal Springs is also a nationally-recognized leader in golf innovation and growing-the-game initiatives. They include family golf on Cascades and Minerals featuring four-person carts and two holes cut on each green (one eight inches in diameter); a "Fast Track" program that guarantees golfers finish in less than four hours; a pay-per-hole playing option; "Swing N Sip for Ladies" and more.

For more information about the resort and golf & stay packages: www.crystalgolfresort.com, 973.827.5996.

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